New hope for Queens Wharf

The gates at Queens Wharf. Photo / Dean Purcell

Chances of making Queens Wharf a permanent legacy of the 2011 Rugby World Cup are strengthening despite a funding stumbling block which the Government was unable to overcome last week.

The Cabinet is expected to examine progress on the proposal today, after an extraordinary meeting of the Auckland Regional Council this morning to discuss the wharf's acquisition from the port company.

Council chairman Mike Lee would not disclose details last night of any potential Government assistance, but confirmed calling a meeting of his council after "a breakthrough in our discussions with Ports of Auckland".

He called the meeting on Friday after the port company, which is owned by the council through Auckland Regional Holdings, agreed in principle to move imported cars off the wharf next year to make way for a cruise ship terminal and public access.

Although the company previously offered to make the wharf available for the World Cup, Mr Lee said the proposed acquisition was for permanent public access.